Ephrata, Pennsylvania — Authorities have arrested a man accused of grave robbing after a disturbing discovery at his home revealed dozens of human skeletal remains. Jonathan Gerlach, 34, faces over 500 charges connected to the illegal exhumation of bodies from local cemeteries, including the historic Mount Moriah Cemetery in Yeadon.
Gerlach was apprehended while leaving the cemetery, where he was seen carrying a crowbar and a bag containing remains, including those of two small children and three skulls. The arrest followed an investigation into numerous burglaries targeting mausoleums and sealed vaults at the 200-acre cemetery.
Law enforcement officials had been alerted to the break-ins by local cemetery supporters, prompting increased patrols in the area. A review of security footage revealed Gerlach’s vehicle was present during key incidents, leading to intensified scrutiny of his activities. Following his arrest, police executed a search warrant at his residence in Ephrata, uncovering more than 100 skeletal remains in various conditions.
Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse described the scene as harrowing. Some remains dated back as far as 200 years, while others were much more recent, with one corpse found still connected to a pacemaker. Investigators are now working diligently to identify the remains and establish their provenance.
Moreover, it appears that Gerlach’s activities might extend beyond Mount Moriah. Authorities discovered a social media group, purportedly dedicated to trading human bones, where Gerlach had been featured holding a skull. This shocking revelation suggests a broader pattern of illicit behavior that may have affected multiple burial sites.
Since November, police noted that 26 mausoleums and grave sites at Mount Moriah were reported burglarized. On the night of Gerlach’s arrest, authorities were conducting surveillance and observed him in his vehicle with evidence clearly visible in the back seat. During questioning, he allegedly admitted to taking around 30 items from the cemetery.
Gerlach faces a multitude of charges, including 26 counts of burglary, multiple counts of abuse of a corpse, and other related offenses. With bail set at $1 million, he remains in custody ahead of a hearing scheduled for later this month.
Community leaders have expressed their outrage and concern over the situation. Yeadon Mayor Rohan Hepkins emphasized the need for vigilance in protecting such sacred spaces. As investigators continue their work to piece together the circumstances surrounding the case, officials urge anyone with information to come forward, signaling their commitment to restoring dignity to the final resting places of those disturbed.
